Author Information

Faculty Mentor Name

Brenda Haven and Shigeo Hayashibara

Format Preference

Poster

Abstract

This Ignite Project Proposal for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Propulsion Research is a continuation of last year’s Ignite Grant Project (Eiguren/Douglass/Buchanan) in conceptual studies of “Ultra-Compact Shaft-less Jet Engine”. Following the comprehensive study involving Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and preliminary experimental testing, this second design iteration will receive structural and combustion modifications to further improve efficiency and fabrication potential. The basic idea behind the engine design involves an integrated Electronically Ducted Fan (EDF), simplified combustion region, and nozzle. The reason behind this innovative concept is to improve current jet engine designs relying on shaft-driven compressors via turbines - shaft driven compressors can significantly decrease component and system losses as well as the costs associated with complex production and maintenance. This second stage in the design process will utilize CFD simulations alongside experimental testing, gathering data from both subsonic wind tunnels for in-flight data and static combustion tests. Our research team believes that our renovated “Ultralight Turbine-less Jet Engine” can create an energy efficient, reliable, and cost effective next generation small-scale jet engine for UAVs. By continuing this project under a Senior Capstone Project next year, we expect to conduct full airframe integration of the entire engine system into a production capable UAV. The data and results gathered over the course of these three years will result in research publication(s) to be presented at Research Conferences, such as the A3ICON 2016 as well as the AIAA Regional VI Student Conference in April 2016

Poster Presentation

IGNITE GRANT AWARD

Location

AC1-ATRIUM

Start Date

4-8-2016 1:00 PM

End Date

4-8-2016 3:00 PM

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Since June 23, 2016

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Apr 8th, 1:00 PMApr 8th, 3:00 PM

Ultralight Turbine-less Jet Engine

AC1-ATRIUM

This Ignite Project Proposal for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Propulsion Research is a continuation of last year’s Ignite Grant Project (Eiguren/Douglass/Buchanan) in conceptual studies of “Ultra-Compact Shaft-less Jet Engine”. Following the comprehensive study involving Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and preliminary experimental testing, this second design iteration will receive structural and combustion modifications to further improve efficiency and fabrication potential. The basic idea behind the engine design involves an integrated Electronically Ducted Fan (EDF), simplified combustion region, and nozzle. The reason behind this innovative concept is to improve current jet engine designs relying on shaft-driven compressors via turbines - shaft driven compressors can significantly decrease component and system losses as well as the costs associated with complex production and maintenance. This second stage in the design process will utilize CFD simulations alongside experimental testing, gathering data from both subsonic wind tunnels for in-flight data and static combustion tests. Our research team believes that our renovated “Ultralight Turbine-less Jet Engine” can create an energy efficient, reliable, and cost effective next generation small-scale jet engine for UAVs. By continuing this project under a Senior Capstone Project next year, we expect to conduct full airframe integration of the entire engine system into a production capable UAV. The data and results gathered over the course of these three years will result in research publication(s) to be presented at Research Conferences, such as the A3ICON 2016 as well as the AIAA Regional VI Student Conference in April 2016